But Harris, the reigning Big Ten freshman of the year, told ESPN 100.9 FM in Midland on Friday that he made "a hard decision" to remain at Michigan State for his sophomore season because he could play on a team with national championship aspirations and do so after having recovered from shoulder injuries.

Both factors could end up solidifying his spot as a lottery pick as soon as next summer, paving the way for what he hopes to be a lengthy NBA career.

"Growing up, every kid's dream is to go to the NBA," Harris said. "And I mean
when you're right there, it kind of feels like you want to take that next step,
but you know, you've got to think down the road, do you want to just get to the
NBA or do you want to stay in the NBA and have a long career?

"I feel like if I wanted
to, I could have gone. I just feel like I'll be better prepared to have a
longer career by staying one more year, being in college, having another year
under my belt and just being more prepared for next year."

Harris said the high expectations that result from Izzo's comparisons of the 6-foot-4, 205-pounder to some of the Spartans' all-time greats have motivated him. He spent last month impressing those who watched him at the Kevin Durant Skills Academy.

Izzo has said that with a healthy season, Harris could better showcase his skills as a rebounder while going to the rim more aggressively after averaging 12.9 points during an injury-plagued freshman campaign.

For now, ESPN's Chad Ford projects Harris as high as the No. 11-ranked 2014 draft prospect.

"It was definitely a hard decision to not put my name in the
draft just because of the predictions and the projections or whatever, but I mean
sometimes you've got to take more into account," Harris said.

"The pros of coming back this year are just sky-high, and we
have high expectations this year."